EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

CDEA is a creative think-tank that promotes the use of culture as tool to solve the numerous social, political and economic challenges faced in Africa. Registered as a company limited by guarantee in October 19, 2011, the organization seeks to design and develop evidence-based programs that place culture at the center of development in East Africa.

CDEA believes that culture is as an enabler of sustainable development that provides peoples and communities with a strong sense of identity, social cohesion, and contributes to more effective and sustainable development

East Africa is growing rapidly politically, socially and economically and the challenges are becoming more complex. There is a growing realization of the role of culture in solving problems. CDEA is strategically placed as a solution provider.

In 2015 CDEA realized that for it to grow and create sustainably, there was a need for a comprehensive strategy that will provide direction for the next five years.

CDEA engaged Wylde International as consultants for a 5-year strategic plan. Wylde engaged with the staff of CDEA over a period of three months and come up with a strategic plan that should see CDEA become a premier creative center that will offer indigenous solutions across the political, social and economic echelons.

The strategic direction and goals included in this plan are CDEA’s response on understanding of what its target clients and beneficiaries value most given the current opportunities and challenges in using culture as a tool for offering effective solutions in the society.

The five-year period of this strategic plan will be a time for CDEA to take a leadership role in working with a broader array of key partners, and actively engage communities, governments and the private sector using culture as a tool.

The fresh perspective on CDEA’s, vision, mission and understanding of its core business and the environment in which it operates in, CDEA will pursue the following strategic themes:

Theme 1: Focus on sustainability, strategy and culture

Theme 2: Strengthening of CDEA internal systems and processes

Theme 3: Advocacy and thought leadership

Theme 4: Artist promotion and development of performingarts infrastructure

This strategic plan, which has three sections, will function as a management tool for CDEA. The first section focuses on identity and culture the second part focuses on about challenges and solutions, while the third plan’s focus is on the implementation of the strategic plan. Full implementation of the plan will move the organization toward more efficiency and effectiveness, achieve sustainability and impact will be achieved, and ensure that CDEA emerges as a leader not only regionally but also globally.